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It’s a warm Friday lunchtime in July, and the playground at Galleywall Primary School in South London is buzzing with children enjoying themselves.
Founded in 2016 under the City of London Academies Trust, the Bermondsey-based school is wrapping up another academic year. Spirits are high as the students and staff gear up for the long-awaited summer holidays.
But when the school reopens in September, things will feel a bit different — one of the Reception classes won’t be returning. This is due to a significant drop in student enrolment across Southwark, part of a wider trend affecting several inner-city London boroughs. As a result, some schools are no longer financially viable and are being forced to shut down.
Since 2022, eight schools in Southwark have closed. Most recently, Charlotte Sharman Primary in Elephant and Castle and St Mary Magdalene Church of England Primary in Peckham were the latest casualties, following a “difficult” decision by Southwark Council during a Cabinet meeting in June.
Other London boroughs, including Hackney and Islington, have faced similar closures despite protests and efforts from local communities to save their schools. A combination of factors — including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, rising living costs, and a shortage of affordable housing — have led families to relocate to outer London or beyond.
Still, Galleywall’s headteacher, Martin Blain, sees a silver lining. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Mr Blain said: “We’re definitely feeling the impact of declining pupil numbers in Southwark. We've had to scale back simply because fewer children are applying. But this also means that families living further away now have a better chance of getting into schools like ours, which might not have been possible before.”
He continued, “Now, parents can be more selective. They can choose schools that match their expectations and values, even if those schools are a bit farther from home. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. While most of our year groups are full, it's the incoming ones where we’re seeing the drop.”
Because admissions are now more commonly based on proximity rather than sibling attendance, Galleywall is attracting pupils from a wider area. “We have students joining us at different stages,” Mr Blain explained. “And over time, we’ve seen real progress. We’re aiming to deliver top academic results with a truly diverse intake. That, to me, is what a great school should be — open to everyone.”
Earlier this year, in January 2025, Galleywall was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. Inspectors praised the school for its nurturing and inclusive environment, as well as its commitment to enriching pupils’ lives.
They highlighted the school’s “high-quality cultural enrichment,” noting events like performances at St Paul’s Cathedral and creative projects such as puppetry workshops that enhance learning beyond the classroom. Ofsted stated: “The school encourages pupils to aim high. This dedication to delivering the best possible experience is reflected in its strong, well-rounded curriculum. Pupils engage deeply in lessons and achieve exceptional results, particularly in writing by Year 6.”
Mr Blain said there is much to be proud of at Galleywall. “Our website and weekly newsletters showcase just how much we’ve accomplished. It’s a credit to our hardworking staff and makes a real difference to the children.”
He added: “Some of our students might not otherwise visit museums or take part in cultural activities — not because they don’t want to, but because their families may lack the means or awareness. We make sure they get those opportunities. By the time they finish Year 6, they’ll have experienced the best of what inner-city London has to offer.”
